Survey: Orthopedic patients more satisfied with telehealth visits than surgeons

Editor's Note

In this study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting in San Diego, researchers found that orthopedic surgical patients had a higher level of satisfaction with telehealth visits than surgeons, the September 16 Healio Orthopedics Today reports.

Of 107 patients and six surgeons surveyed, approximately 92% of patients said they were satisfied with the telehealth visits, compared with low satisfaction rates reported by surgeons.

Technical difficulties were reported by nearly 50% of surgeons and 60% of patients, who said these issues were the main reasons they would prefer in-person visits.

In a 10-item scale questionnaire, surgeons scored the average level of care administered via telehealth at 5.2 and their willingness to incorporate telehealth into their practice in the future at a 6.6.